Which Type of Baby Wrap Do I Need to Carry My Baby?

As parents, we are very lucky in our current market place to have access to a huge range of different infant carrying wraps, but this diversity can make it confusing to know which one is best for us and our family.  In this brief guide, we give you a description of the main types of wraps available and some reasons why they may be suitable for you.


Stretchy Wraps 

Stretchy wraps are normally more suitable for newborns to approx. 9-12 months of ages depending on weight. The soft stretchy fabrics will provide the right level of adaptable, supportive fabric around your new babies developing body. The stretchy fabric gives room for beginners to accommodate this learning curve and still support baby.

The Stretchy Moby Modern Wrap

Stretchy Wraps are often made from a cotton rib knit fabric that provides great suppleness, stretch and bounce. All stretchy wraps have a different range of stretch, elasticity, density and weight (grams per metre) and these are all things that need to be considered.

Hybrid Wraps

Hybrid Stretchy Wraps contain a mix of spandex which provides a dense and high elasticity carry, ideal for heavier infants and so lasting longer.  An example is the JPMBB (Je Porte Mon BeBe) Wrap which is 95% cotton and 5% spandex and has a 3 way stretch.

Most Stretchy and Hybrid Wraps are all approx. 5m long in length as standard, although you can get shorter ones if you look and then can vary anything from 50-70cm wide.

The JPMBB Hybrid Original Wrap

Woven Wraps

These are similar to stretchy wraps as they are pieces of fabric that are tied in different ways around you and the baby. However these are woven to be more supportive - they have little or no stretch and can accommodate heavier toddlers, whilst also being used from birth. Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in different brands and styles. But in summary, here are some different weaves to look out for and a table of varying lengths:

Straight weave/gauze:

Simple fabric, often cheaper and potentially thinner

Cross twill (German style woven):

Often one coloured or striped, they also have a good diagonal stretch which can make an easier wrap.

Jacquard:

Also has diagonal stretch and the capacity to support any pattern you desire. These are very smooth to wrap with but potentially not as sturdy as cross twill.


Woven wraps come in different sizes to take into account different sized adults/infants and to facilitate a huge variety of different carries. 

Woven wraps have a slight learning curve but once mastered are a truly custom fit - and woven wraps are coming soon to Born! Watch this space!


You can get more advice and see demonstrations of baby wraps and carriers from trained infant carry consultants at Born (please ring to book an appointment) or your local sling libraries and infant carry consultants.

Visit Borndirect to see the full range of Baby Wraps and Slings